MOLDOVA’S RECENT ELECTIONS: PROSPECTS FOR CHANGE IN EUROPE’S POOREST COUNTRY

WASHINGTON—Senator Benjamin L. Cardin (D-MD), Chairman of the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, and Co-Chairman Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL), announced today the U.S. Helsinki Commission will hold a briefing on:

Moldova’s Recent Elections: Prospects for Change in Europe’s Poorest Country

When: 2 p.m., Thursday, August 6

Where: SVC 202/203 in the Capitol Visitor Center

Violent street protests erupted following the first round of elections in Moldova four months ago and highlighted the polarization between Moldova's ruling Communists and the opposition parties. The OSCE noted that these elections "met many international standards and commitments, but further improvements are required to ensure an electoral process free from undue administrative interference and to increase public confidence."

This briefing will discuss the results of Moldova’s recent parliamentary elections and their implications for U.S.-Moldova relations and regional policy.

The following experts are invited to speak:

• H.E. Nicolae Chirtoaca, Ambassador of Moldova to the United States
• Hon. Valentina Cusnir, former member of Moldova's parliament
• Ms. Nadine Gogu, acting director of the Independent Journalism Center in Chisinau, Moldova
• Amb. Louis O'Neill, former Head of the OSCE Mission to Moldova